Attack on Doctor Has Implications
Their concern represents a wider concern about the safety of all public servants who serve in our communities.
This is an edited version of Nemani Delaibatiki's My Say for the FBC TV programme '4 The Record' last night.
Iwill be speaking on the implications of the alleged attack on a doctor at the Nasau Health Centre, in Ra. Since the Fiji Sun published the story about the alleged attack on the doctor, people have called to express their sympathy and support for him.
Their concern represents a wider concern about the safety of all public servants who serve in our communities.
It also highlights the first signs of serious criminal activities seeping into once peaceful and relatively crime-free rural neighbourhoods.
We hope this was an isolated case and the people in this Nasau area will rally together to ensure that it does not happen again. The law has taken its own course – Police have interviewed suspects and we will see justice is done soon.
The other important part of the equation is how we can nip this in the bud.
It requires going down to the root of the problem.
Was the incident a manifestation of a bigger problem that exists in the communities?
We can know when the background of the alleged perpetrators is finally revealed.
Whether they are locals or outsiders, the commission of the alleged offence at a health centre speaks volumes of their attitude towards the centre and the medical professionals.
The lack of respect and support for the centre is a big worry which should be addressed as soon as possible.
The incident cannot be taken lightly because it will send the wrong message. The safety and security of medical personnel and other civil servants are the responsibility of everyone.
It is only proper that we make them happy and feel at home if they are going to serve us to the best of their ability.
It works both ways.
It’s even more critical when it comes to doctors and nurses. They are there to help save lives. They are constantly under pressure because of the high public expectation.
In some cases, they are expected to perform miracles.
If their work is a matter of life and death, they should be accorded the same level of respect and dignity.
People need to realise that these doctors and nurses in rural and maritime stations work long and irregular hours, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The doctor and nurse at Nasau were required to be on call after working hours to cater for emergencies.
In the case of a pregnant woman in labour it could take hours with little or no sleep at all.
After delivery, the doctor and nurse may have a short rest before they return to their routine work.
If they do not manage their rest time wisely they could suffer from exhaustion and fatigue.
And when that happens, they will not be able to do their job 100 per cent and safety of patients can be compromised. When I talk about attitude, I mean people need to understand if the doctor or the nurse has taken a break or rest.
They also need to understand and accept the diagnostic and clinical decisions of the medical officers in charge. Sometime ago in Moala some people refused to accept what the doctor was saying. In the end they assaulted him. He was so badly injured that he had to be airlifted to Suva.
That was not only criminal, but deplorable and we should not entertain that kind of disgraceful and shameful behaviour. There is also concern about the security of female doctors. One was alleged to have been sexually assaulted.
As more women enter the medical profession, they will need protection in remote areas.
We hope that the latest incident in Nasau, Ra, will motivate us to change our attitude. We should take pride in our doctors, nurses and public servants.
They are in the frontline and backstop of service delivery in rural and maritime areas.
Let’s protect them and support them. In turn they will serve us better.